Mendes denies Sporting speculation

Pedro Mendes has dismissed reports he wants out of Rangers, insisting: “I don’t need to go back to Portugal.”

Ibrox midfielder Mendes has repeatedly been linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon and has been quoted on more than one occasion as saying he is willing to return to his homeland.

But the 30-year-old told BBC Scotland: “I’ve been reading some incredible stories. The only thing I know is that (Ibrox chief executive) Martin Bain had a call from the Sporting director of football a few weeks ago. I love Glasgow, the family loves Glasgow and Rangers is a great club.”

Mendes, who joined Rangers in the summer of 2008 and is under contract for another 18 months, has only recently returned to full training following a knee injury that has kept him out since October.

“I think journalists should think before they start writing,” he added. “I got back into the Portugal squad playing for Rangers, so I don’t need to go back to Portugal.”

Mendes played for an hour in a friendly game against Dunfermline on Wednesday but Saturday’s SPL game against Hearts may come to soon for him.

“It’s been like a new pre-season,” he said of his rehabilitation from injury. “I need games to build to build up match fitness. I feel good but it’s up to the gaffer.”

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